What is Brahma Kumaris? Is it a religious cult or a spiritual movement? How did a movement that began in the 1930s in Hyderabad, Sindh (now in Pakistan), grow to have over a million followers and 5000 centres in 135 countries worldwide? What is the purpose of Brahma Kumaris? How do its followers view religion, and why do women hold key administrative positions within the organization?

In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, BK Shivani answers these questions. A practitioner and teacher of Rajyoga Meditation since 1996, BK Shivani is a well-known TV personality and the host of the show 'Awakening With Brahma Kumaris', which focuses on mental stress, happiness, and relationships.

She also shares her thoughts on Ram Rajya, Akhand Bharat, and parenting in this insightful conversation.

00:00 - Introduction

01:56 - How Brahma Kumaris Began

10:58 - Ram Rajya & Akhand Bharat

15:18 - The Role of Religion in People’s Lives

21:20 - Why BK Shivani Joined Brahma Kumaris

28:02 - Adopting Celibacy

30:28 - Why Do Brahma Kumaris Wear White Clothes?

35:37 - Rules of Celibacy

40:45 - How to End Violence and Crime

47:17 - Garbh Sanskar Explained

54:22 - Outside vs. Home-Cooked Food

56:46 - Attachment vs. Love

01:03:08 - Can You Always Think Right?

01:09:08 - Why Don’t Brahma Kumaris Eat Outside?

01:14:06 - Is the End of Kalyug Near?

01:16:09 - What Is Forgiveness?

01:23:57 - How Are Atheists Taught Spirituality?

01:29:58 - Do Issues Vary Between the Rich and the Poor?

01:32:15 - Holidays: Before vs. Now

01:38:51 - Can Anyone Change Someone’s Thinking?

01:43:28 - BK Shivani’s Thoughts on Crime and Violence

01:46:35 - Is There Any Role of Destiny in Life?

01:52:50 - Talking to a Loved One at Life’s Final Stage

02:07:38 - Live-In Relationships

02:09:02 - Substance Abuse

02:15:58 - Social Media

02:17:19 - The Joy of Missing Out

02:19:54 - Divorce

02:28:37 - News Debates

02:30:18 - Sex Education

02:34:46 - What Is Love?

02:37:42 - Stress

02:40:43 - Therapy